With more than 30 years of legal experience and 20 years of combined government and political accomplishments, Rick brings to Shumaker a depth of experience at both the state and local levels. Rick served as the 53rd mayor of St. Petersburg, Florida from 2014 to 2022. Under his leadership, St. Petersburg was ranked as Florida's best-managed and fiscally strongest city and received numerous accolades, including being named one of the top places to visit in the world by the New York Times and one of the 20 best places to live by Southern Living. Prior to becoming mayor, Rick served for six years in the Florida House of Representatives, serving as his caucus's Policy Chairman, and spent six years as a St. Petersburg City Councilman.
Rick’s extensive accomplishments throughout his public service include:
- In his first term, delivering on his promise to build a new pier and police station, establish community-oriented policing, implement curbside recycling, and elevate St. Pete's profile in the world
- Preparing St. Pete for a changing climate, transitioning the city to 100 percent clean energy, and expanding preserved green space. Public service social network Apolitical named Rick one of the world's "100 most influential climate policy leaders," and he led the U.S. Conference of Mayors' Committee on the Environment
- As a proponent of alternative transportation, leading the effort to launch the Cross Bay Ferry and working to adopt a Complete Streets policy, implement the city's bike share and e-scooter program, and introduce the first Bus Rapid Transit service in the Tampa Bay Region
- Helping to reduce the poverty rate among the city's African American residents to an all-time low. Inspired by former President Barack Obama's "My Brother's Keeper" initiative, Rick launched "My Brother's and Sister's Keeper" to address persistent opportunity gaps and the anti-gun violence "Not My Son" campaign
- While ensuring the continued success for the city's largest employers, championing small businesses, entrepreneurs, and artists. The United States Conference of Mayors recognized Rick with its Partner America 2018 Small Business Advocate award.
Education
J.D., Stetson University College of Law
B.S., Broadcasting, University of Florida
Professional Associations
- Leadership Florida Cornerstone Class XLI
- Gulf Coast Jewish Family and Community Service, Board of Directors, 2022
- Bloomberg-Harvard City Leadership Initiative, Third Co-Hort, 2019-2020
- Chair, Environmental Committee–United States Conference of Mayors, 2020-2021
- Florida League of Cities, Board of Directors, 2014-2021
- Florida League of Mayors, Board Member, 2014-2021
- Tampa Bay Area Regional Transit Authority, Board Member, 2014-2021
- Pinellas County Tourist Development Council, Board Member, 2014-2021
- St. Petersburg Economic Development Corporation, Board of Governors, 2015-2021
- Cities Race to Zero Initiative, Committee Member, 2020-2021
- New Deal Leaders, Leader, 2016-2021
- Democratic Leadership Council State Legislative Advisory Board, Board Members, 2006-2012
- K–20 Innovation Subcommittee, Ranking Democrat, 2010-2012
- Committee on Energy, Ranking Democrat, 2006-2008
- Energy & Utilities Policy Committee, Ranking Democrat, 2008-2010
- Democratic Leadership Council Local Elected Officials Network, Board Member, 2001-2006
- Pinellas Metropolitan Planning Organization, Vice Chair, 2004-2006
- Heroes of the St. Petersburg P.D., Inc., Founder and Board Member, 2003-2014
- Southeastern Guide Dogs, Puppy Raiser, 2009-present
- Temple Beth-El, Vice President, 2000-2005; Board member, 2000-2006
Honors
- Best Urban Visionary Award 2023, Creative Loafing Tampa Bay
- The Wave 2022, Greatest Ally to the Local Community
- Apolitical 2019, One of the World's Most Influential Climate Policy Leaders
- Route Fifty 2021, "Ten Mayors to Watch"
- Florida Association of Museums, Outstanding Public Official 2019
- Florida Politics Tampa Bay's Most Powerful Politicians, Top Five 2020
- Florida Justice Association, Legislative Career Achievement Award 2012
- The Florida League of Cities, Inc., Legislative Appreciation Award 2007, 2008, 2011, 2012
- Progress Florida, Florida Watch Action and America Votes, “Champions of Florida's Middle Class” 2011, 2012
- Independent Colleges & Universities of Florida ‘Distinguished Alumni Award’ 2008, 2011
- Florida Developmental Disabilities Council, Inc., Outstanding Legislator Award 2010
- Florida Family Child Care Home Association, Commitment to Quality Family Child Care 2010
- Planned Parenthood of Southwest and Central Florida’s 37th Anniversary of ROE v. WADE “Choice Award” 2010
- American Cancer Society, Legislative Leadership Award 2007, 2008, 2009
- Equality Florida, Voice for Equality Award 2009
- Suncoast Sierra Club, Black Bear Award 2009
- Florida State Massage Therapy Association, Legislative Rising Star 2008
- Family Service Centers, Inc., Advocacy Award 2007
- Tampa Bay Business Guild, Citizen of the Year 2005
- Democratic Leadership Council’s 100 to Watch 2003